#Denner Vineyards

[dniosamu]

Wine recommendations?

Ah, hmmm, Châtou Lafite 1869, Romanee-Conti 1945 or maybe Denner Vineyards The Ditch Digger. Those are some of my favourites.. Or maybe you could try Cabernet Sauvignon it isn't my personal favourite but it's nice to drink on some days.

[wine-porn]

Wine for the 99

A thick stew of soggy macerated fruit greets the nose, acentuated by a pleasant side-helping of strong briary angst and copious Christmas spice. Definite deep earthy notes are also a big plus but the gravitas of all elements combined give strong forebodings to typicity and dearthy expected outcomes. Dark, deep black in the glass with barely-softening edges of ruddy garnet. Piles of salty leather…

[flipflopsandsequins]

A Weekend in Paso Robles, California

What can happen in 4 months? For me, I’ve started a new job, had a fun weekend with girlfriends in Vegas, and spent more time with family. That includes a recent, wonderful weekend in Paso Robles, CA with my husband for our anniversary. But throughout the 4 months that I was ‘away,’ I missed blogging and photography terribly. I’m glad I was able to get some rest and relaxation in Paso plus take some photos to share with you.

This trip was much needed as we’d been working so much for the past few months and on the weekends we’d be catching up on chores or tending to our weed-filled yard. Having a balance is so important and I can really feel a positive difference when I make time for self-care, which to me includes spending time away from home, somewhere different.

We told ourselves we would only visit a couple wineries so that we can spend a lot of time relaxing at the hotel and at their pool. We had a delicious breakfast at their restaurant, Cello. I loved their cappuccino and waffles with ollalieberries (it wasn’t too sweet nor too tart).

We then drove to Denner Vineyards and had a lovely tasting sitting outside amongst their tall, beautiful trees and overlooking the hills. The summer weather was just perfect for me.

We grabbed lunch at Next Door Bistro (my grilled manchego cheese sandwich with quince paste on sourdough bread was fricken delicious) before heading back to the hotel. Little did I know that Keanu Reeves (yes, that actor from John Wick, Point Break, Speed, The Matrix) was also in downtown Paso. I saw later on social media that he dined at the Santa Maria Brewing Co which is where we had dinner the night before and just a couple blocks from Next Door Bistro. Ah, so close! LoL

It can be difficult for me to spend on nice things like a massage as it was not too long ago that I was flat broke and in debt. But I’m glad my husband and I made an appointment at Allegretto Hotel’s spa. It felt awesome to not worry about anything for 70 minutes.

We then chilled by the pool before getting ready for dinner at Artisan. Their food was good but the service was slow and they forgot a side dish we ordered.

All in all, our trip turned out well (and I don’t have buyer’s remorse - phew!).

What have you done as part of your self-care or summer getaway? I’d love to read about it so feel free to leave a comment.

XOXO

[thorsenmark]

From Near to Far by Mark Stevens Via Flickr: I wanted as much as I could capture in this image to be in focus, so I decided to try to techniques to aid. One was stopping down the aperture and another was to just step back and then zoom into the image I wanted captured. After some initial adjustment in Lightroom, I used a favorite combination of filters as a recipe in Color Efex Pro 4 for the final image.

[mauraclaire]

wonderful girls weekend in Harmony part 1. We stayed in a town of 18 people, in a tiny little red cottage, and couldn’t get over the golden hour/morning light views of the rolling green hills. a fireplace inside and outside + no TV + jenga and scrabble made for a verrrry cozy weekend. Wine tasting adventures ensued at Proulx and Denner, featuring a fat gal cat named Bob, 4 large happy vineyard dogs, and a young almost sommelier that was basically timothee chalamet, but the Paso version.

[johndennerconnecticut-blog]

Denner Vineyard is located in the heart of wine country at 5414 Vineyard Drive, Paso Robles, California.

The Vineyard was designed by Architect John Robert Mitchell and owned by Ron Denner.  Ron and John believe that great architecture blends with the environment. Denner Winery, therefore is designed to fit into the rolling hills and is complementary to the geography and culture of the Central Coast. 

Denner Places 

[studentessamatta]

Such a beautiful day! So much beauty in one place, it almost blinds you! #stuckinthemiddleagain #fun @dennerwinery (at Denner Vineyards) https://www.instagram.com/p/CavHYNHvqzr/?utm_medium=tumblr

[rickgoodman]

Great day in the wine country of Paso Robles with My son Alex! #fathersday (at Denner Vineyards) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQRs0o6Fe7C/?utm_medium=tumblr

[evewine101]

Who’s That Girl? Why that’s Janine Jones, long time supporter of Circle of Hope, making face masks! (Just had to start with her pretty face to get your attention!) . . We have some great wines in the Circle of Hope online auction (now open to all: https://bit.ly/VINE2WINEAUCTION) including Sine Qua Non Rosé, Joseph Phelps Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Williams Selyem Pinot Noir, Vin Gris of Pinot Noir and Chenin Blanc, Justin Isosceles and Cabernet Sauvignon, Tobin James Bordeaux Blend and Reserve Syrah, 1993 Silver Oak Cabernet, 1994 Dalla Valle Cabernet, 1996 French Cab Franc, 1999 Whitcraft Lagrein, 1997 Vintage Port, 1998 German Riesling, Australian Grenache, Brunello di Montalcino and more wines from McPrice Myers, Robert Biale, Shane Wines, Regusci, Booker, Denner, Clavo, Veraison, Linne Calodo…and others! . . Just added a 3 liter double magnum bottle from Byron Blatty and a beautiful gift basket from Parhelion Cellars - both have donated wine to our main event. There are many baskets - not all about wine - in the auction! If you want to learn more about Circle of Hope watch this video we did with @SCVTV today —> https://scvtv.com/2020/05/23/interview-with-laura-kirchhoff-eve-bushman-circle-of-hopes-vine-2-wine-to-go/ . . #CircleOfHope #Vine2Wine #Vine2WineToGo #Charity #Auction #WineAuction #SineQuaNon #Cabernet #Pinot #Bordeaux #BrunelloDiMontalcino #VintagePort #Riesling @JosephPhelps @JustinWine @TobinJamesCellars @SilverOakCellars @WhitcraftWinery @ByronBlattyWines @ParhelionCellars @CircleOfHopeSCV (at Circle of Hope, Inc.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CAiWmM9gYcl/?igshid=1kxwxu1eo1wqq

[nwbeerguide]

Firestone Walker Anniversary Ale XXI

Press Release

Paso Robles, CA: In winery circles, they often say “it takes a lot of beer to make great wine”—but the reverse is true when it comes to Firestone Walker’s annual Anniversary Ale.   Indeed, the latest Anniversary Ale—dubbed XXI, signifying the Firestone Walker’s 21st year on California’s Central Coast—was once again created with guiding input from friendly local winemakers.   The result is an inspired blend of five distinct beers aged in spirits barrels: Velvet Merkin (oatmeal stout, 42%), Parabola (Russian imperial oatmeal stout, 18%), Stickee Monkee (Central Coast quad, 17%), Bravo (imperial brown ale, 14%) and Helldorado (blonde barleywine, 9%).   XXI will be released to all Firestone Walker markets for a limited time starting next week.   An Annual Rite   The Anniversary Ale blending session has become an annual late-summer rite at the brewery, and the 2017 session took place on August 22 with 27 winemakers in attendance.   “We’ve been doing this for 12 years now,” said Brewmaster Matt Brynildson. “Winemakers are practicing experts in the art of blending—I can’t think of a better way to create something synergistic from such a wide range of barrel-aged beers.”   As always, the winemakers broke into teams, and a spirited competition ensued to create the winning blend, which was voted on after a blind tasting by the entire group.   This time, the bragging rights and the coveted “cardboard crown” went to Jordan Fiorentini and Kyle Gingras of Epoch Estate Wines along with Anthony Yount of Denner Vineyards, whose three-person team conceived the blend that became XXI.   Bring On The Merkin   XXI represents the first time that Velvet Merkin has set the pace for the Anniversary Ale blend.   “There’s a soft, sexy, chocolatey character to XXI that reflects the predominance of Velvet Merkin in the final blend,” said Eric Ponce, Firestone Walker’s barrel program production manager.   Another twist is the inclusion of Helldorado aged in premium Jamaican rum barrels.   “The rum Helldorado imparts notes of island spice and molasses,” Ponce said. “It adds a subtle exotic touch to the beer.”   Fittingly, the label design of XXI echoes the distinct curved roofline of Firestone Walker’s new brewhouse extension that was completed last summer—the biggest milestone in the brewery’s 21st year.     “The XXI blending session was the very best yet, and the result is absolutely gorgeous,” Brynildson said. “I’m so proud of this beer, and I’m so proud of the people who helped us make it.”   The Final Blend

Velvet Merkin (8.5% ABV) Aged in Bourbon Barrels (42%)  Traditional Oatmeal Stout OG=15P FG=4.0 IBU=32.5 Color=Black / 15% Oats / Hopped with 100% US grown Willamette   Parabola (13.1% ABV) Aged in Bourbon Barrels (18%) Russian Imperial Oatmeal Stout                                                                     OG=30P FG=8.5P IBU=80 Color=Black / Hopped with Herkules, Styrian Golding and Hallertau Tradition   Stickee Monkee (12.5% ABV) Aged in Bourbon Barrels (17%) Central Coastal Quad OG=27P FG=6.5P IBU=45 Color=Deep Brown / Brewed with Belgian Candi Sugar and Mexican Brown Sugar   Bravo (13.5% ABV) Aged in Bourbon Barrels (14%) Imperial Brown Ale OG=26.5P FG=3.0 IBU=35 Color=Deep Brown / Hopped with Columbus and Tettnanger   Helldorado (13.5% ABV) Aged in Rum Barrels (9%) Blonde Barley Wine OG=15P FG=5.5 IBU=32.5 Color=Deep Gold / 15% Oats / Hopped with CTZ and East Kent Goldings   Brewmaster’s Notes:

“XXI is a magical blend of five components. Chocolatey, mild Velvet Merkin takes the lead setting the stage full of lush malt and barrel-driven texture, yet tempered alcohol strength. The rest of the components fall perfectly in line, backing Velvet Merkin up with luscious caramel complexity and a creamy malt symphony. The final component adds a new twist – the rum barrel-soaked and lean Helldorado makes its Anniversary debut, bringing a fresh splash of island spice to a ridiculously balanced barrel-aged brew. This is one of those times that the whole is truly more than the sum of its parts. This beer is unfiltered and unfined, so there will be a small amount of sediment in the bottom of the bottle. XXI is best enjoyed poured carefully into a half-filled brandy snifter or wine glass. Allow it to warm to 55F to fully enjoy the pleasing and complex aromas.”

[zillowcondo]

Pursuitist Epicurean: Ian Blackburn, Wine Guru

Top 10 Wines To Give (And To Keep)

Move over, vodka , rum, and beer.  Wine is now the world’s number-one most popular alcoholic beverage.  But things get complicated when it comes to choosing what type of wine to drink, gift, or store in cellars to enjoy in a few years.  So we turned to wine guru Ian Blackburn of LearnAboutWine – the leading source for wine education and events in Southern California — to school us on the selection process, and to make his essential wines recommendations.

“As a wine professional, I rarely receive wine as a gift except from the very few in my inner circle that feel confident to purchase something special,” says Blackburn, a Master of Wine student and teacher whose classes and tastings have served to demystify wine for nearly 20 years since the launch of LearnAboutWine (http://www.learnaboutwine.com/) .  “I’m famous, however, for purchasing gifts for others and for finding the treasures that I hold dear — and purchasing a few gifts for myself.”

Since Blackburn has taught more than 50,000 students in just his core class, “Wine Camp: An Introduction to Wine,” we asked to copy his notes for a cheat-sheet shopping list of his Top 10 finds. “Being a student of wine and a teacher, I enjoy wines at all price points and quality levels,” he says. “Here are the wines that I tend to get excited about.”

Lail Vineyards “Georgia” Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, 2011 or 2012 ($120)

Ian Blackwood: “Phillip Melka on winemaking and Robin Lail Vineyard Owner, what a team of personality and perfection. This is the newest edition, the latest trend to emerge out of Napa Valley – ultra-premium Sauvignon Blanc. Melka, who cut his teeth on the category in Bordeaux, is bringing his daft touch to this variety that now sees new life in the $100+ club.  “Georgia” benefits from high tear selection from low yield vineyards, hand stirring in expensive wood, time, age and careful ‘Melka’ craftsmanship.”

EPOCH, Estate Blend 2011 ($50)

“There are few wines in the world that pack as much immediate hedonistic pleasure as a bottle of wine from Paso Robles. This is an estate to familiarize yourself with, and they have a surprising life expectancy. I would enjoy any of the top end productions from these quality estates: Denner, L’Aventure, LAW Estate, STANGER, and The Farm.”

Epoch Estate Winery

Elio Grasso Gavarini Vigna Chiniera, Barolo DOCG 2010 ($80+)

“The 2010 wines are exciting, ripe, expansive and collectable, but will require some patience to enjoy more than just a taste. The 2010 vintage brings levels of ripeness, richness, and concentration that can be exploited by the modern wineries and are sometimes downcast by the loyal traditionalist.  Other 2010’s to seek out include Giuseppe Mascarello, Domenico Clerico, Vietti, Roberto Voerzio, Elio Altare, and Giacomo Conterno.”

Hetszolo Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos, Tokaj-Hegyalja, Hungary 2004 ($50)

“Dessert wines are such a fantastic gift, and people rarely purchase them for themselves.  A great bottle of dessert wine is truly the punctuation mark of any great gathering. Other recommended producers include Royal Tokaji, Oremus, and Disznoko.” 

Hamilton Russell Vineyards Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Pinot Noir, Walker Bay, South Africa 2012 ($40)

“Having traveled the wine world, this is one of the greatest wine estates on the planet. Consistent and elevating quality every year, Hamilton Russell is a great alternative to Burgundy and can be enjoyed near term or be cellared for a decade.”

Hamilton Russell Vineyards, South Africa

Weingut St. Urbans-Hof Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Kabinett, Mosel, Germany 2012 ($25)

“Wines from the Mosel use to be in price parity with the great wines of Bordeaux.  Today, the wines are underpriced, but over-deliver. St. Urbans-Hof is consistently one of my favorite producers, providing polished wines of great concentration and persistence.  Other recommendations: Joh. Jos. Prum, Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt, and Zilliken.”

Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2004 ($140)

“In Champagne, the competitive forces are at work in a very big way. The wine quality continues to increase, as do the prices, and yet demand is outpacing supply. Comtes de Champagne is as refined and polished a wine as there is, and I enjoy the nuance of the 2004 with hints of chalk, stone, pear, elegant perfume, the very mouse and attack. Other preferred producers:  Pierre Peters, Billecart-Salmon, and Vilmart. Other preferred producers:  Pierre Peters, Billecart-Salmon, and Vilmart.”  

Tattinge

Mauritson Wines, Jacks Cabin Vineyard, Zinfandel, Rockpile 2012 ($45)

“Yes, not a typo:  Zinfandel.  As a Zinfandel producer, I love to taste the exciting efforts of huge set of producers that continue to focus on quality improvements and bring new life to this category. It’s a bit of a hit and miss, however, so you really need to be in touch with the producers of merit and support their higher tier efforts whenever possible. Other Zinfandels to pursue: Bedrock, Beekeeper, Biale, Turley, Ridge, Passalacqua, Gamba, Carol Shelton, and Limerick Lane.”

 Chateau Leoville Poyferre, Saint-Julien, France 2003 ($200)

“If someone were to say ‘Ian, pick a bottle of wine you think about most from the past year,’ it would be this one.  At 11 years of age, it is spectacular. The 2003 is a very dramatic, yet nuanced wine that can be enjoyed with your nose alone. Its richness is seductive, and I can still taste it several months later. I’m looking for more of this particular treasure.”

Chateau Rayas, Chateauneuf du Pape, Reserve 1985 ($1,095)

“Ok, ok, it’s almost impossible to find and it’s one of the greatest wines ever made that only the privileged few get to know about.   At more than $1000 a bottle, it will probably be the gift I buy myself this coming year… but I will share it with as many people as possible.  It is ‘the wine’ that opened my mind, and blew it all over the wine cellar. If you have to have a number one, it better mean something.”

Chateau Rayas, Tours, France

The post Pursuitist Epicurean: Ian Blackburn, Wine Guru appeared first on Pursuitist.

Pursuitist Epicurean: Ian Blackburn, Wine Guru published first on http://bogouzunshang.tumblr.com/

[paperbackstories]

Today we visited Denner Vineyards in Paso Robles. Anthony, the vintner, took us into the cellar and gave us samples of the constituent wines, before blending. He said, "At this point we're not looking for wines that taste good, we're looking for wines that are interesting." @dennervineyards #dennervineyards #winecountry #pasorobles (at Denner Vineyards)

[thorsenmark]

The Greens of Leaves and Trees Across the California Countryside by Mark Stevens Via Flickr: A view looking to the southwest at Denner Vineyards. I later used CEP 4.0 to bring out a more vibrant look to the leaves and trees.

[alifewelldrunk]

Sitting back and enjoying the views @dennervineyards with a great class of wine #alifewelldrunk #alwd #california #travel (at Denner Vineyards)

[chrisknuet]

Not today but not so long ago (at Denner Vineyards)

[pasoroblesdailynews]

Denner 'Dirt Worshipper' named a 'Top-100 Wine in the World'

Denner ‘Dirt Worshipper’ named a ‘Top-100 Wine in the World’

–Denner Vineyards has announced that its 2016 Dirt Worshipper was named a Top 100 wine in the world by Wine Spectator magazine. The 2019 Top 100 list appears in the magazine’s current issue.

Denner was the highest-ranked Paso Robles winery on this year’s Top 100, coming in 18th. Saxum and Sans Liege were also named to the list, which can be seen here.

This marks the second time Denner’s Dirt…